Caldwell Davis, Jr.

Caldwell Davis, Jr. departed this life on March 6th, 2026, at his home overlooking the Tennessee River in Clifton, Tennessee at the age of 76 years, 6 months, and 16 days. He was born August 18th, 1949, to Caldwell and Robbie Lee Hime Davis.

As a self-taught piano player, organist, and song writer, music was a big part of Caldwell’s life. As a teenager, he was the keyboardist for the musical group The Missing Lynx. Their song “Hang Around”, written by Caldwell, was played by Dick Clark on American Bandstand.

A proud Vietnam Veteran, Caldwell served in The United States Marine Corps where he rose to the rank of Lance Corporal. As a radio field operator in the Vietnam War, he earned a Navy Cross and a Marksman Sharpshooter Badge.

After the Vietnam War, Caldwell enrolled at the University of Tennessee at Martin earning a Bachelors and Masters Degree in Education and English. After graduation, he moved to Chattanooga, Tennessee and worked for TVA as their lead copywriter.

In 1979, Caldwell moved back to his hometown in Clifton, Tennessee. During this time, he created The Clifton Ledger, a local newspaper of which he was editor in chief. However, for most people in the Clifton community, he was known as the tough as nails English teacher who was adored by his students.

In the fall of 1984, Caldwell became the principal of Frank Hughes School, a role that he kept for the next several years. His most favorite memory from his time as principal was the historic year when the Frank Hughes Lady Lions won the basketball State Championship in March of 1986. Eventually, Caldwell returned to the classroom as the high school English teacher where he remained until he retired.

Caldwell was an accomplished author, poet, and writer. He had numerous articles published in various national magazines and his novel, When the Rain Comes was written and published in 1979. His treasured Uncle Jim Stories that were published weekly in The Wayne County News were eventually compiled into a book in 2011.

An avid hunter and trapper, during the mid 1980’s, he became one of the largest fur trappers and fur traders in West Tennessee and loved to hunt for dove and quail. His sharpshooter eye continued throughout his life and he was known to stand on one side of the river and hit a beer can sitting on the bank on the other side of the river with one shot.

He continued in his retirement years as a Rock n Roller playing the keyboard in several local bands such as Retro and Backwater. His favorite keyboardist of all time was Ray Manzarek from The Doors, who Caldwell got the privilege to meet when Mr. Manzarek came to Clifton one summer afternoon to play golf.

The place that brought Caldwell the most joy and peace was the Tennessee River. He knew every square inch of the river by heart and loved to spend hours hunting the banks for Indian artifacts. Several of the arrowheads and artifacts that Caldwell found over the years were photographed and published in books and magazines.

Caldwell is survived by his beloved wife Debra Basham Davis of whom he was married to for almost 31 years, as well as his children; April Davis Williams (Greg) of Savannah, Tennessee, Jessica Basham Brannon (Paul) of Spring Hill, Tennessee and Kristopher Caldwell Davis. He also leaves 4 grandchildren: Jackson Williams, Arabella Williams, Caitlyn Brannon, and Madison Inman, as well as, one great grandchild. Caldwell is also survived by his favorite person, his sister Sherri Linville of Clifton.

Graveside services will be held Tuesday, March 10th at 7:00am (sunrise) at the Clifton Cemetery in Clifton, Tennessee with Tracy Love officiating.

Memorial donations may be made to www2.breakthrought1d.org.